GENERAL INFORMATION:

The Republic of South Africa is now passing through the twilight of "Apartheid". Apartheid - an African word-means "apartness" which the South African Government had referred as "separate development" at one time. To the world at large "apartheid" meant system of total discrimination between blacks and whites. The system of Apartheid was rigorously enforced by the National Party when it came to power in 1948 under Daniel Malan. The policy of 'Apartheid" was diluted in 1990 when Mr. F.W. De Klerk came to power he created history in South Africa by releasing Mr. Nelson Mandela, now President of the African National Congress [ANC] - after 23 year in prison. Though the rigors of "Apartheid" have diminished, the country is nonetheless paying for its strict enforcement in the past.

The economics policies of South Africa are today moving fast towards liberalization in trade and investment and acceptance of the dictates of market forces. Conscious efforts are also made by the Government to integrate with the world economy to make up for its long period of isolation.

ECONOMY:

South Africa has immense natural resources including mineral reserves, cheap electricity and several tourist attractions. The best and most popular automobiles in the world are manufacture or assembled in South Africa. The German car maker Daimler-Benz was one of the first to set up a plant in South Africa to make Mercedes Benz cars and trucks, followed by Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, Uno (Fiat, Italy), Toyota, Nissan, Datsun.

Some of the giant industrial conglomerates like the Anglo American Corporation, Barlow Rand, South Africa Breweries, Stewarts & Lloyds etc. have been in business for decades and their growth and success have been synonymous with the industrial development of South Africa itself. The Oppenheimer family dominates the industrial scene of South Africa.

IMPORTING ENVIRONMENT:

South Africa has highly developed economic and industrial infrastructures including modern rail, road and air services. The country has also adopted highly advanced western administrative and business systems with all its economic and services activities computerised. Because of these facilities businessmen in other countries are only too glad to channelize their business deals through South Africa to the Southern and Central African regions. These businessmen expect South Africa to be the motive force for economic development in other parts of the African continent.

Several countries in Latin America are now gradually opening up trade with India. Our experts to that continent have been insignificant till now. Because of several promotional efforts made by organisations like FIEO, exports from India are now gradually picking up through distance and high freight rates have been major inhibiting factors for promoting Indian exports to Latin American countries.

The following organisation can offer advice on Commercial information:

High Commission of India
852, Schoeman Street, Arcadia
Post Box No.40216,Pretoria, South Africa.